demythologize

[ dee-mi-thol-uh-jahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, de·my·thol·o·gized, de·my·thol·o·giz·ing.

1. to divest of mythological or legendary attributes or forms, as in order to permit clearer appraisal and understanding:

   to demythologize the music dramas of Richard Wagner for modern listeners.

2. to make less mysterious or mythical so as to give a more human character to:

   to demythologize the presidency.

verb (used without object)

, de·my·thol·o·gized, de·my·thol·o·giz·ing.

1. to separate mythological, legendary, or apocryphal elements from a writing, work of art, historical figure, etc.

demythologize

/ ˌdiːmɪˈθɒləˌdʒaɪz /

verb

1. to eliminate all mythical elements from (a piece of writing, esp the Bible) so as to arrive at an essential meaning
2. to restate (a message, esp a religious one) in rational terms

Derived Forms

• ˌdemyˌthologiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• demy·tholo·gi·zation noun
• demy·tholo·gizer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of demythologize¹

First recorded in 1945–50; de- + mythologize

Example Sentences

All I had wanted to do was write a novel that demythologized the West.

From Washington Post